Gene Simmons Wants to Coach Musical Gladiators

Gene Simmons has a new project underway, and it’s not an album. The lead rocker of KISS is heading to MIPCOM next month to launch his new reality TV show, Coliseum. Simmons created the project alongside Chris Philip, CEO of Sietta/Engine Television.

Coliseum is something like a gladiator-esque musical face-off. Contestants will form bands (under their choice genre) to give unique, sensational performances. The teams will be mentored by Simmons, judged by three musical talents (rotating weekly, so no, this isn’t The Voice), and evaluated per “show” given throughout their evolution (episode to episode). On the final stage, the bands will duke it out in front of a large audience. Their success (or elimination) depends on Simmons and the audience, who will choose a winner based not just on musical quality, but also on the overall vibes and fun of their performance.

Simmons is anything but unfamiliar with reality TV series. He starred in the six-year show Gene Simmons: Family Jewels,which examined the front man’s family life. He also featured on Gene Simmons’ Rock Schooland had one-time appearances on several TV shows such as Ugly Betty and SpongeBob Squarepants. He also didn’t remain in front of the camera – the star worked as an executive producer for shows like Drake & Josh, Smash, and Detroit Rock City. Simmons also currently appears on new series 4th and Loud, AMC’s reality show which also stars KISS co-member Paul Stanley.

“Coliseum is a no-holds-barred competition show between musical gladiators in the arena fighting to survive, fighting to be the champion, fighting to curry the favor of Rock Caesar… Thumbs up or thumbs down, only the strong survive,” Simmons said in a statement. And yes – Gene himself is Rock Caesar.

MIPCOM takes place once a year (typically in October) in Cannes, France. The market provides the opportunity for the buying, selling, and distribution of TV and film content, and is headed by a keynote speaker. It’s a four-day event, and over 13,500 participants attend. Sierra/Engine will handle worldwide sales of Coliseum, whose format was developed by Simmons, Philip, and The Format People‘s Justin Scroggie and Michel Rodrigue.

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